U.S. patent application number 15/985575 was filed with the patent office on 2018-12-06 for connector housing.
The applicant listed for this patent is YAZAKI CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Yoshiharu Ishii, Masashi Nakamura, Tomohiro Urashima.
Application Number | 20180351302 15/985575 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64458375 |
Filed Date | 2018-12-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180351302 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Urashima; Tomohiro ; et
al. |
December 6, 2018 |
CONNECTOR HOUSING
Abstract
A connector housing includes a first side wall and a second side
wall. The first side wall is to be pressed against a cylindrical
member extending in a first direction. The second side wall is
opposed to the first side wall in a second direction perpendicular
to the first direction. The second side wall is formed with a
front-side rib at one end in the first direction and a rear-side
rib at the other end in the first direction. The front-side rib
protrudes in the second direction and extends in a third direction
perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction.
The rear-side rib projects in the second direction and extends in
the third direction. The front-side rib and the second side rib do
not face to each other in the first direction.
Inventors: |
Urashima; Tomohiro;
(Tochigi, JP) ; Nakamura; Masashi; (Tochigi,
JP) ; Ishii; Yoshiharu; (Tochigi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
YAZAKI CORPORATION |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
64458375 |
Appl. No.: |
15/985575 |
Filed: |
May 21, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R 13/424 20130101;
H01R 13/64 20130101; H01R 13/405 20130101; H01R 13/50 20130101;
H01R 13/504 20130101; H01R 13/518 20130101; H01R 13/73 20130101;
H01R 13/629 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01R 13/64 20060101
H01R013/64; H01R 13/405 20060101 H01R013/405; H01R 13/504 20060101
H01R013/504; H01R 13/629 20060101 H01R013/629; H01R 13/50 20060101
H01R013/50; H01R 13/424 20060101 H01R013/424 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 1, 2017 |
JP |
2017-109220 |
Claims
1. A connector housing having a cylindrical shape, the connector
housing comprising: a first side wall in an outer peripheral of the
connector housing; and a second side wall in the outer peripheral
of the connector housing, wherein the first side wall is to be
pressed against a cylindrical member extending in a first
direction, wherein the second side wall is opposed to the first
side wall in a second direction perpendicular to the first
direction, wherein the second side wall is formed with a front-side
rib at one end of the second side wall in the first direction and a
rear-side rib at the other end of the second side wall in the first
direction, wherein the front-side rib protrudes from the second
side wall in the second direction and extends in a third direction
which is perpendicular to both the first direction and the second
direction, wherein the rear-side rib projects from the second side
wall in the second direction and extends in the third direction,
wherein the front-side rib and the second side rib do not face to
each other in the first direction.
2. A connector housing having a cylindrical shape, the connector
housing comprising: a first side wall in an outer peripheral of the
connector housing; and a second side wall in the outer peripheral
of the connector housing, wherein the first side wall is to be
pressed against a cylindrical member extending in a first
direction, wherein the second side wall is opposed to the first
side wall in a second direction perpendicular to the first
direction, wherein the second side wall is formed with a rib,
wherein the rib protrudes from the second side wall in the second
direction and extend in a third direction which is perpendicular to
both the first direction and the second direction, wherein the rib
is formed at only one end of the second side wall in the first
direction.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based on and claims priority from
Japanese Patent Applications No. 2017-109220 filed on Jun. 1, 2017,
the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to a connector housing.
2. Description of Related Art
[0003] JP-A-2009-170289 discloses a connector housing fixed to an
outer peripheral surface of an electric wire bundle. So as to fix
the connector housing to the electric wire bundle, a tape is
collectively wound around the outer peripheral surface of the
electric wire bundle and an outer peripheral surface of the
connector housing.
[0004] In the connector housing of JP-A-2009-170289, on a side wall
of the connector housing in an opposite side of a side wall at
which the connecting housing is in contact with the electric wire
bundle, ribs project outward are provided. The tape is wound along
the ribs. This configuration would suppress displacement of the
tape.
[0005] For facilitation of the tape winding, a pair of ribs may be
provided on the side wall in the opposite side of the side wall at
which the connector housing is contacted with the electric wire
bundle, and the tape may be wound between the pair of ribs. The
connector housing of JP-A-2009-170289 may be modified by adding
another rib at a position where it faces a previously formed
rib.
[0006] However, when the above connector housing is resin molded
using a mold set, the molding process thereof tends to be
complicated. When the connector housing is molded using the mold
set, a separating direction of two molds is set in a longitudinal
direction of an electric wire side terminal. However, in order to
form a space which is sandwiched between the two ribs, it is
necessary to use a slide core which slides in a direction
orthogonal to the separating direction.
[0007] Therefore, the molding process of the connector housing
tends to be complicated since the slide core is required.
SUMMARY
[0008] Embodiments relates to a connector housing which is to be
attached on an outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical member and
is wound with tape together with the cylindrical member, and in
which its molding process would be simplified.
[0009] In accordance with one or more embodiments, in a connector
housing having a cylindrical shape, the connector housing includes
a first side wall in an outer peripheral of the connector housing
and a second side wall in the outer peripheral of the connector
housing. The first side wall is to be pressed against a cylindrical
member extending in a first direction. The second side wall is
opposed to the first side wall in a second direction perpendicular
to the first direction. The second side wall is formed with a
front-side rib at one end of the second side wall in the first
direction and a rear-side rib at the other end of the second side
wall in the first direction. The front-side rib protrudes from the
second side wall in the second direction and extends in a third
direction which is perpendicular to both the first direction and
the second direction. The rear-side rib projects from the second
side wall in the second direction and extends in the third
direction. The front-side rib and the second side rib do not face
to each other in the first direction.
[0010] In accordance with one or more embodiments, in a connector
housing having a cylindrical shape, the connector housing includes
a first side wall in an outer peripheral of the connector housing
and a second side wall in the outer peripheral of the connector
housing. The first side wall is to be pressed against a cylindrical
member extending in a first direction. The second side wall is
opposed to the first side wall in a second direction perpendicular
to the first direction. The second side wall is formed with a rib.
The rib protrudes from the second side wall in the second direction
and extend in a third direction which is perpendicular to both the
first direction and the second direction. The rib is formed at only
one end of the second side wall in the first direction.
[0011] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the following description and the appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector housing
according to a first embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a front view of the connector housing shown in
FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the connector housing shown
in FIG. 1, when viewed from above.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the connector housing shown
in FIG. 1, showing a state where a concave surface thereof is
pressed against a corrugated tube.
[0016] FIG. 5A is a front view of the state shown in FIG. 4.
[0017] FIG. 5B is a side view, showing a state where the connector
housing shown in FIG. 1 is fixed to the corrugated tube using
tape.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a connector housing
according to a second embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a front view of the connector housing shown in
FIG. 6.
[0020] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the connector housing shown
in FIG. 6 when viewed from below.
[0021] FIG. 8B is an explanatory view of the detailed shape of a
concave surface.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a front view of two connector housings shown in
FIG. 6, showing a state where they are arranged in the same
direction in such a manner that one connector housing enters a
notch formed in the concave surface of the other connector
housing.
[0023] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a connecting plate.
[0024] FIG. 10B is a front view of the connecting plate.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a front view of a connected connector housing in
which multiple connector housings shown in FIG. 6 are fixed by the
connecting plate.
[0026] FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C are views of the first half of a
procedure when the connected connector housing is assembled using a
connecting jig.
[0027] FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C are views of the second half of the
procedure when the connected connector housing is assembled using
the connecting jig.
[0028] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a connector housing
according to a third embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the connector housing according
to the third embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the connector housing shown
in FIG. 14 when viewed in its longitudinal section passing through
an engagement projection, showing a state where a concave surface
of the connector housing is pressed against a corrugated tube.
[0031] FIG. 17 is a side view of the connector housing shown in
FIG. 14 when viewed in its longitudinal section passing through an
engagement projection, showing a state where the concave surface of
the connector housing is pressed against a corrugated tube.
[0032] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a connector housing
according to a modification of the third embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the connector housing according
to the modification of the third embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the connector housing shown
in FIG. 18 when viewed in its longitudinal section passing through
an engagement projection, showing a state where a concave surface
of the connector housing is pressed against a corrugated tube.
[0035] FIG. 21 is a side view of the connector housing shown in
FIG. 18 when viewed in its longitudinal section passing through an
engagement projection, showing a state where the concave surface of
the connector housing is pressed against a corrugated tube.
[0036] FIGS. 22A and 22B are perspective views of a connector
housing according to a fourth embodiment.
[0037] FIGS. 23A and 23B are perspective views of a first
modification of the connector housing according to the fourth
embodiment.
[0038] FIGS. 24A and 24B are perspective views of a second
modification of the connector housing according to the fourth
embodiment.
[0039] FIGS. 25A and 25B are perspective views of a third
modification of the connector housing according to the fourth
embodiment.
[0040] FIGS. 26A and 26B are perspective views of a fourth
modification of the connector housing according to the fourth
embodiment.
[0041] FIGS. 27A and 27B are perspective views of a fifth
modification of the connector housing according to the fourth
embodiment.
[0042] FIGS. 28A and 28B are perspective views of a sixth
modification of the connector housing according to the fourth
embodiment.
[0043] FIGS. 29A and 29B are perspective views of a reference
example of the connector housing according to the fourth
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0044] Connector housings according to exemplary embodiments are
described with reference to drawings.
First Embodiment
[0045] Firstly, referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, description is given of
a connector housing 10 according to a first embodiment.
[0046] A resin-made connector housing 10 is a housing of a joint
connector to be engaged with a housing (not shown) of a mating
connector and, in use, it is fixed to an outer peripheral surface
of a cylindrical member such as a corrugated tube or a corrugated
pipe. The joint connector includes a joint terminal to be connected
in common to multiple terminals stored in the housing of the mating
connector with which the joint connector is engaged, and has a
function to short-circuit the multiple terminals of the mating
connector with which the joint connector is engaged. Here, in a
certain type of joint connector, a terminal mounted on the tip of
an electric wire is inserted directly into the joint connector not
through the above-mentioned mating connector. This invention would
be applied to this type of joint connector. Further, this invention
would also be applied not only to a joint connector but also to an
ordinary connector used to connect together electric wires.
[0047] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, an x axis
direction (a front-rear direction), a y axis direction (a
left-right direction), a z axis direction (a vertical direction),
and front, rear, left, right, upper and lower directions are
defined as shown in FIG. 1. The front-rear direction, left-right
direction and vertical direction are orthogonal to each other.
[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the connector housing 10 has a
box-like shape which includes a square cylindrical side wall 20
extending in the front-rear direction and a rear wall 30 connected
to the side wall 20 so as to close the rear-side end of the side
wall 20 and also has an internal space S. When inserted into the
internal space S through an opening formed in the front-side end of
the side wall 20, the mating connector housing is engaged with the
connector housing 10.
[0049] The side wall 20 includes an upper wall 40, a lower wall 50,
a left wall 60 and a right wall 70. As shown in FIG. 3, on the
outer peripheral surfaces (outer surfaces) of the front-rear
direction two ends of the upper wall 40, there are formed a pair of
parallel ribs 41. The paired ribs 41 project upward and extend in
the left-right direction over the whole area of the upper wall 40
in the left-right direction. As described later, the paired ribs 41
perform a function to suppress the displacement of tape T used to
fix the connector housing 10 to a cylindrical corrugated tube C
(which is also called a cylindrical member) (see FIG. 5B to be
described later).
[0050] The lower wall 50 includes on its outer peripheral surface
(outer surface) a concave surface 51 which is concaved in an arc
shape and extends in the front-rear direction over the whole area
in the front-rear direction of the lower wall 50. In this
embodiment, the concave surface 51 is configured of an arc portion
having a single radius of curvature. As described later, the
concave surface 51 provides a surface to make contact with the
outer peripheral surface of the corrugated tube C in order to fix
the connector housing 10 to the corrugated tube C (see FIG. 5A to
be described later). Thus, preferably, the radius of curvature of
the arc portion of the concave surface 51 may be designed to be
equal to the outside diameter of the corrugated tube C which makes
contact with the concave surface 51.
[0051] The left wall 60 has on its outer peripheral surface (outer
surface) a pair of male-side through locks 61 extending in the
front-rear direction, while the right wall 70 has on its outer
peripheral surface (outer surface) a pair of female-side through
locks 71 extending in the front-rear direction. The paired
male-side through locks 61 and female-side through locks 71 are
engaged with each other.
[0052] Therefore, in a state where the paired male-side through
locks 61 of one connector housing 10 and the paired female-side
through locks 71 of the other connector housing 10 are arranged so
as to face each other, when the paired male-side through locks 61
are engaged with the paired female-side through locks 71, the two
connector housings 10 are connected and fixed to each other.
[0053] In a state where the two connector housings 10 are connected
and fixed together, a lock beak 62 (see FIG. 2, particularly)
formed between the paired male-side through locks 61 is engaged
with a projection 72 (see FIG. 3, particularly) formed between the
paired female-side through locks 71, thereby preventing the paired
male-side through locks 61 from coming out (separating) from the
paired female-side through locks 71.
[0054] The rear wall 30, as shown in FIG. 2 particularly, includes
a pair of slits 31 extending in the vertical direction. The
above-mentioned joint terminal (not shown) is inserted into and
fixed to the paired slits 31. Such provision of the joint terminal
in the connector housing 10, as described above, enables the
connector housing 10 to function as the housing of the joint
connector.
[0055] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in use, the connector housing 10
is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of a corrugated tube C.
Description is given below of a procedure for fixing the connector
housing 10 to the outer peripheral surface of the corrugated tube
C.
[0056] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5A, firstly, the connector housing
10 is arranged at a predetermined position in the extending
direction of the corrugated tube C where the connector housing 10
must be fixed in such a manner that the front-rear direction of the
connector housing 10 extends along the extending direction of the
corrugated tube C, and the concave surface 51 of the lower wall 50
of the connector housing 10 is pressed against the corrugated tube
C.
[0057] Thus, the connector housing 10 are maintain a proper posture
with respect to the corrugated tube C, that is, a posture in which
the connector housing 10 has no bias with respect to the axis of
the corrugated tube C. Also, even when the extending direction of
the corrugated tube C is somehow shifted from the front-rear
direction of the connector housing 10 locally or wholly before the
connector housing 10 is pressed, there would be obtained a state
where such portion of the corrugated tube C as is pressed against
the concave surface 51 extends straight in the front-rear direction
of the connector housing 10.
[0058] Next, while maintaining the pressing of the corrugated tube
C by the concave surface 51, as shown in FIG. 5B, the tape T is
wound so as to collectively cover the outer peripheral surface of
the corrugated tube C and the outer peripheral surface of the side
wall 20 of the connector housing 10. In this case, the tape T is
wound so as to pass through an area intervening between the paired
ribs 41 provided on the upper wall 40.
[0059] Consequently, in a proper posture where the front-rear
direction of the connector housing 10 coincides with the extending
direction of the corrugated tube C, the connector housing 10 would
be easily fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the corrugated
tube C. Also, in winding, the tape T would be easily wound with the
paired ribs 41 as a reference. Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the
tape T is wound in such a manner that the end face of the tape T in
the width direction is situated near the ribs 41 (or, the end face
of the tape T in the width direction is brought into contact with
the ribs 41), thereby preventing the tape T against displacement in
the width direction (in the front-rear direction of the connector
housing 10).
[0060] As described above, according to the connector housing 10 of
the first embodiment, the concave surface 51 is formed in the outer
peripheral surface of the lower wall 50. Thus, even when the
connector housing 10 is arranged on the outer peripheral surface of
the corrugated tube C, by pressing the connector housing 10 against
the corrugated tube C while making one direction of the concave
surface 51 extend along the extending direction of the corrugated
tube C, the connector housing 10 would maintain a proper posture
with respect to the corrugated tube C. Also, by pressing the
concave surface 51 against the corrugated tube C, it is easily
possible to obtain a state where such portion of the corrugated
tube C as is pressed against the concave surface 51 extends
straight in the front-rear direction of the connector housing 10.
In this state, by winding the tape T so as to collectively cover
the outer peripheral surface of the corrugated tube C and the outer
peripheral surface of the side wall 20 of the connector housing 10,
the connector housing 10 would be easily fixed to the outer
peripheral surface of the corrugated tube C in a proper posture
where the front-rear direction of the connector housing 10
coincides with the extending direction of the corrugated tube
C.
[0061] Also, the paired ribs 41 are formed on the upper wall 40.
Therefore, in winding, the tape T would be wound easily with the
paired ribs 41 as a reference and displacement of the tape T in the
width direction (in the front-rear direction of the connector
housing 10) would be suppressed.
Second Embodiment
[0062] Next, description is given below of a connector housing 11
according to a second embodiment with reference to FIGS. 6 to 13.
The connector housing 11 is different from the connector housing 10
according to the above-mentioned first embodiment in that the
concave surface 51 of the lower wall 50 includes multiple kinds of
arc portions having different radii of curvature and also has
notches 54 in the four corner portions thereof. Description is
given below of the above different points specifically.
[0063] Particularly, as can be understood from FIGS. 8A and 8B, the
concave surface 51 of the lower wall 50 of the connector housing 11
includes an arc portion 52 (which is called also a first arc
portion) extending in the front-rear direction in the
right-and-left direction part thereof and having a relatively small
radius of curvature, and a pair of left and right arc portions 53
(which are called also second arc portions) extending in the
front-rear direction in the right-and-left direction two outside
parts thereof and each having a relatively large radius of
curvature. The arc portion 52 and arc portions 53 are formed such
that the outer peripheral surfaces thereof continue with each
other.
[0064] Thus, even when the connector housing 11 must be fixed to
two kinds of corrugated tubes C having different outside diameters
respectively, the connector housing 11 would be fixed in a proper
posture with respect to these two kinds of corrugated tubes C.
Specifically, when the connector housing 11 is fixed to a
corrugated tube C having a relatively small outside diameter
equivalent to the radius of curvature of the arc portion 52, the
outer peripheral surface of the corrugated tube C comes into
contact with the arc portion 52 of the concave surface 51. On the
other hand, when the connector housing 11 is fixed to a corrugated
tube C having a relatively large outside diameter equivalent to the
radius of curvature of the arc portion 53, the outer peripheral
surface of the corrugated tube C comes into contact with the paired
left and right arc portions 53 of the concave surface 51.
[0065] Also, as can be understood from FIG. 8A, in the four corner
portions of the concave surface 51 of the lower wall 50 of the
connector housing 11, there are formed notches 54 respectively
which are formed by cutting the front-rear direction two ends of
the arc portions 53. The bottom surface of each notch 54
constitutes a part of one common plane extending in parallel to the
front-rear direction and left-right direction (in parallel to the
x-y plane).
[0066] As shown in FIG. 9, when the two connector housings 11 are
arranged in the same direction such that the concave surface 51 of
one connector housing 11 and the rib 41 of the other connector
housing 11 face each other, the respective notches 54 are formed at
positions where the ends of their associated ribs 41 can advance
therein.
[0067] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, when the multiple connector
housings 11 are arranged and assembled in a line in the same
direction such that the rib 41 of one of the adjoining connector
housings 11 is allowed to advance into the notch 54 of the concave
surface 51 of the other connector housing, the assembly height (in
FIG. 9, the left-right direction dimension) would be reduced when
compared with a case where such notches 54 are not formed. Thus,
when the multiple connector housings 11 are assembled to a vehicle
body or an electric connection box in a state where they are
arranged and assembled in a line in the same direction, it is
possible to reduce a space which is occupied by the whole of the
multiple connector housings 11.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 9, by using a connecting plate 80 shown in
FIG. 10, the multiple connector housings 11 assembled and arranged
in a line in the same direction, as shown in FIG. 11, would be
produced as a connected connector housing 12 in which the
respective connector housings are connected to each other (which is
also called a connector unit).
[0069] As shown in FIG. 10, the connecting plate 80 is a resin-made
plate-shaped member having a longitudinal direction. The connecting
plate 80 includes on one side surface thereof a pair of through
locks 81 having the same shape as the paired female-side through
locks (see FIG. 7 etc.) in such a manner that they are arranged in
a line in multiple portions (in this embodiment, in three portions)
spaced from each other by an equal distance in the longitudinal
direction. On the other side surface of the connecting plate 80, in
the longitudinal-direction central part thereof, there are formed a
pair of through locks 82 having the same or similar shape to the
paired through locks 81.
[0070] As shown in FIG. 11, when the paired male-side through locks
61 of the respective connector housings 11 are engaged with the
corresponding paired through locks 81 of the connecting plate 80 in
a state where the multiple connector housings 11 are assembled and
arranged in a line in the same direction as shown in FIG. 9, there
is obtained the connected connector housing 12. Here, the paired
through locks 82 of the connecting plate 80 would be used, for
example, when assembling the connected connector housing 12 to a
vehicle body or an electrical junction box.
[0071] When assembling the connected connector housing 12 shown in
FIG. 11, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, it is convenient to use a
connecting jig 90. As shown in FIG. 12A, the connecting jig 90 is a
resin-made box-shaped member the top of which is opened and has a
longitudinal direction.
[0072] As shown in FIGS. 12B and 12C, the multiple (in this
embodiment three) connector housings 11 arranged in a line in the
same direction as shown in FIG. 9 are stored into the internal
space of the connecting jig 90 in such a manner that their
respective paired male-side through locks 61 face upward. Thus,
since the side walls of the connecting jig 90 cover the multiple
connector housings 11, the multiple connector housings 11 are fixed
in such a manner that the respective paired male-side through locks
61 face upward and are prevented against relative movement with
respect to each other.
[0073] In this state, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the respective
paired through locks 81 of the connecting plate 80 are engaged with
the paired male-side through locks 61 of the respective connector
housings 11 and, after then, as shown in FIG. 13C, the connecting
jig 90 is removed. Consequently, the connected connector housing 12
would be produced easily.
[0074] As described above, according to the connector housing 11 of
the second embodiment, the concave surface 51 of the lower wall 50
is configured such that it includes the arc portion 52 and arc
portions 53 having different radii of curvature. Thus, even when
the connector housings 11 must be fixed to the respective multiple
kinds of corrugated tubes C having different outside diameters, the
connector housings 11 would maintain a proper posture with respect
to the respective corrugated tubes C.
[0075] Further, in the respective four corner portions of the
concave surface 51 of the lower wall 50, there are formed the
notches 54 that are formed by cutting out the front-rear direction
two ends of the arc portions 53. Thus, when the multiple connector
housing 11 are assembled and arranged in a line in the same
direction in such a manner that the ribs 41 of one of the adjoining
connector housings 11 are allowed to advance into the notches 54 of
the concave surface 51 of the other connector housing 11, the
assembly height (in FIG. 9, the left-right direction dimension)
would be reduced when compared with a case where such notches 54
are not formed.
Third Embodiment
[0076] Next, description is given of a connector housing 13
according to a third embodiment with reference to FIGS. 14 to 17. A
connector housing 13 is different from the connector housing 10 of
the first embodiment and the connector housing 11 of the second
embodiment in that an engagement projection 55 is formed on the
concave surface 51 of the lower wall 50. Description is given below
specifically of the above-mentioned different feature. FIG. 14 is a
perfective view of a connector housing according to a third
embodiment. FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the connector housing
according to the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of
the connector housing shown in FIG. 14 when viewed in its
longitudinal section passing through the engagement projection,
showing a state in which a concave surface of the connector housing
is pressed against a corrugated tube. FIG. 17 is a side view of the
connector housing shown in FIG. 14 when viewed in its longitudinal
section passing through the engagement projection, showing a state
in which a concave surface of the connector housing is pressed
against a corrugated tube.
[0077] The engagement projection 55, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15,
is a projection which projects from the concave surface 51 of the
lower wall 50. In the connector housing 13 of the third embodiment,
the engagement projection 55 is formed in the substantially central
portion of the concave surface 51 in the front-rear direction (x
direction). Also, the engagement projection 55 is formed as a ridge
extending along the left-right direction (y axis direction). In
other words, the engagement projection 55 is formed as a rib which
is provided along the peripheral surface of the concave surface 51
concaved in an arc shape. The engagement projection 55, as shown in
FIGS. 16 and 17, has a shape which can be engaged with a valley of
a corrugated tube C formed in a flexible tube shape. Thus, the
projection height of the engagement projection 55 from the concave
surface 51 is set to be approximately equal to the distance between
a mountain and a valley of the outer surface of the corrugated tube
C.
[0078] Next, referring to FIGS. 18 to 21, description is given of a
connector housing 14 according to a modification of the third
embodiment. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a connector housing
according to the modification of the third embodiment. FIG. 19 is a
bottom view of the connector housing according to the modification
of the third embodiment. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the
connector housing shown in FIG. 18, when viewed in its longitudinal
section passing through an engagement projection, showing a state
in which a concave surface of the connector housing is pressed
against a corrugated tube. FIG. 21 is a side view of the connector
housing shown in FIG. 18 when viewed in its longitudinal section
passing through an engagement projection, showing a state in which
a concave surface of the connector housing is pressed against a
corrugated tube.
[0079] In the connector housing 13, the engagement projection 55 is
formed in the substantially central portion of the concave surface
51 in the front-rear direction (x direction), whereas, in the
connector housing 14, as shown in FIGS. 18 to 21, an engagement
projection 56 is formed along the front-side end face of a concave
surface 51. The connector housings 13 and 14 are different from
each other in the portions thereof where the engagement projections
55 and 56 are formed.
[0080] As can be understood from the connector housings 13 and 14,
the engagement projections 55 and 56 would provide the
below-mentioned operation and effect peculiar to the third
embodiment regardless of the front-rear direction (x direction)
positions where they are formed in the concave surface 51.
[0081] According to the connector housings 13 and 14 of the third
embodiment, the engagement projections 55 and 56 are formed in the
concave surface 51. Thus, when the connector housings 13 and 14 are
arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the corrugated tube C,
the engagement projections 55 and 56 are engaged with the valley of
the corrugated tube C formed in a flexible tube shape. This enables
the connector housings 13 and 14 to be caught in the corrugated
tube C. Accordingly, when winding the tape T so as to collectively
cover the outer peripheral surface of the corrugated tube C and the
outer peripheral surfaces of the side walls 20 of the connector
housings 13 and 14, the connector housings 13 and 14 would be
prevented from slipping on the outer surface of the corrugated tube
C. As a result, an operator would stably wind the tape on the
connector housings 13 and 14 fixed to the outer surface of the
corrugated tube C.
[0082] Also, the engagement projections 55 and 56 are formed as
ribs which are provided along the peripheral direction of the
arc-like recessed concave surface 51. This structure enables the
engagement projections 55 and 56 to secure a sufficient engagement
margin with respect to the valley formed along the peripheral
direction of the corrugated tube C. This enables more suppression
of slipping of the connector housings 13 and 14 on the outer
surface of the corrugated tube C.
[0083] Here, in the third embodiment, description has been given of
an example in which the engagement projection 55 is formed as the
rib. However, the engagement projection may have other shape than
the rib-like shape. For example, even when it is a conical or
cylindrical projection projecting in one location, the engagement
projections 55 and 56 would be engaged with the valley of a
flexible-tube-like shaped corrugated tube C. In this manner, the
shape of the engagement projection would be changed properly
according to the degree of engagement to be secured with respect to
the valley formed along the peripheral direction of the corrugated
tube C.
[0084] In the above description, the projection height of the
engagement projection from the concave surface 51 is set to be
approximately equal to the distance between a mountain and a valley
of the outer surface of the corrugated tube C. However, the
projection height of the engagement projection may be shorter or
longer than the distance between a mountain and a valley of the
outer surface of the corrugated tube C. When the projection height
of the engagement projection is reduced, the engagement margin to
be secured with respect to the valley formed along the peripheral
direction of the corrugated tube C becomes shallower; meanwhile,
when the projection height of the engagement projection is
increased, the engagement margin becomes deeper. In this manner,
the engagement force required for the engagement projection would
be adjusted according to the size of the projection height of the
engagement projection. Here, when the projection height of the
engagement projection is set longer than the distance between the
mountain and valley of the outer surface of the corrugated tube C,
the tip of the engagement projection comes into contact with the
corrugated tube C. Even in this case, when some deformation is
permitted on the outer surface of the corrugated tube C, such
contact provides no obstacle to stable tape winding. Rather, biting
of the engagement projection into the outer surface of the
corrugated tube C would suppress slipping of the connector housings
13 and 14 on the outer surface of the corrugated tube C. This
enables stable tape winding with respect to the connector housings
13 and 14 fixed more firmly to the outer surface of the corrugated
tube C.
[0085] Here, the structure described in the third embodiment would
be applied to the connector housing according to the first or
second embodiment. Particularly, the above-mentioned engagement
projection would be applied to the concave surface 51 which has
been described in the second embodiment and includes the arc
portions 52 and 53 having different radii of curvature. In this
case, the engagement projections are provided respectively in the
arc portions 52 and 53.
Fourth Embodiment
[0086] Next, referring to FIG. 22, description is given of a
connector housing 15 according to a fourth embodiment. The
connector housing 15 is configured such that a rib 42 formed on the
outer peripheral surface of an upper wall 40 is different in shape
from the rib 41 according to the connector housing 10 of the first
embodiment, the connector housing 11 of the second embodiment or
the connector housings 13, 14 of the third embodiment. Description
is given below specifically of the above-mentioned different
feature. FIGS. 22A and 22B are perspective views of the connector
housing according to the fourth embodiment.
[0087] In the connector housings according to the first to third
embodiments, on the outer peripheral surfaces (outer surfaces) of
the front-rear direction two ends of the upper wall 40, there are
provided the paired parallel ribs 41 so as to face each other. In
the connector housing 15 according to the fourth embodiment, the
two ribs 42 are formed on the outer peripheral surfaces (outer
surfaces) of the front-rear direction two ends of the upper wall 40
in common with the other embodiments, but they are not formed so as
to face each other. That is, a front-side rib 43 situated on the
front-side end of the upper wall 40 is formed in the left-right
direction central portion of the front-side end, while the
rear-side end of the upper wall 40 situated rearward of the
front-side rib 43 is cut out. Meanwhile, rear-side ribs 44 situated
in the rear-side end of the upper wall 40 are formed on the
left-right direction two sides of the rear-side end, while such
portion of the front-side end of the upper wall 40 as is situated
forward of the rear-side rib 44 is cut out. Thus, in the ribs 42,
the front-side rib 43 and rear-side rib 44 are alternately arranged
in the front-rear two ends of the upper wall 40 so that they do not
face each other.
[0088] Next, referring to FIGS. 23 to 28, description is given of
connector housings 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E, 15F and 15G according to the
respective modifications of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 23 is a
perspective view of a first modification of the connector housing
according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 24 is a perspective view
of a second modification of the connector housing according to the
fourth embodiment. FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a third
modification of the connector housing according to the fourth
embodiment. FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a fourth modification
of the connector housing according to the fourth embodiment. FIG.
27 is a perspective view of a fifth modification of the connector
housing according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 28 is a
perspective view of a sixth modification of the connector housing
according to the fourth embodiment.
[0089] In a connector housing 15B according to the first
modification of the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, ribs
42B are formed on the outer peripheral surfaces (outer surfaces) of
the front-rear two ends of the upper wall 40 but they are not
formed to face each other. That is, front-side ribs 43B situated in
the front-side end of the upper wall 40 are formed on the
left-right direction two sides of the front-side end, while such
portion of the rear-side end portion of the upper wall 40 as is
situated backward of the front-side rib 43B is cut out. Meanwhile,
a rear-side rib 44B situated in the rear-side end of the upper wall
40 is formed in the left-right direction central portion of the
rear-side end, while such portion of the front-side end portion of
the upper wall 40 as is situated forward of the rear-side rib 44B
is cut out. In this manner, each rib 42B is configured such that
the front-side ribs 43B and rear-side rib 44B are arranged in the
front-rear two ends of the upper wall 40 alternately so as not to
face each other.
[0090] Also, in the connector housing 15C according to a second
modification of the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, ribs
42C are formed on the outer peripheral surfaces (outer surfaces) of
the front-rear two ends of the upper wall 40, while they are not
formed so as to face each other. That is, a front-side rib 43C
situated in the front-side end of the upper wall 40 is formed on
the left side of the front-side end, while such portion of the
rear-side end portion of the upper wall 40 as is situated rearward
of the front-side rib 43C is cut out. Meanwhile, a rear-side rib
44C situated in the rear-side end of the upper wall 40 is formed on
the right side of the rear-side end, while such portion of the
front-side end portion of the upper wall 40 as is situated forward
of the rear-side rib 44C is cut out. In this manner, each rib 42C
is configured such that the front-side rib 43C and rear-side rib
44C are arranged in the front-rear direction two ends of the upper
wall 40 alternately so as not to face each other.
[0091] Also, in the connector housing 15D according to a third
modification of the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25, ribs
42D are formed on the outer peripheral surfaces (outer surfaces) of
the front-rear two ends of the upper wall 40, while they are not
formed so as to face each other. That is, a front-side rib 43D
situated in the front-side end of the upper wall 40 is formed on
the left side of the front-side end, while such portion of the
rear-side end portion of the upper wall 40 as is situated rearward
of the front-side rib 43D is cut out. Meanwhile, a rear-side rib
44D situated in the rear-side end of the upper wall 40 is formed on
the right side of the rear-side end, while such portion of the
front-side end portion of the upper wall 40 as is situated forward
of the rear-side rib 44D is cut out. Also, the left-right direction
width of the front-side rib 43D is smaller than the left-right
direction width of the rear-side rib 44D. Thus, each rib 42D is
configured such that the front-side rib 43D and rear-side rib 44D
are arranged in the front-rear direction two ends of the upper wall
40 alternately so as not face each other.
[0092] Also, in a connector housing 15E according to a fourth
modification of the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 26, ribs
42E are formed on the outer peripheral surfaces (outer surfaces) of
the front-rear two ends of the upper wall 40, while they are not
formed so as to face each other. That is, a front-side rib 43E
situated in the front-side end of the upper wall 40 is formed on
the left side of the front-side end, while such portion of the
rear-side end portion of the upper wall 40 as is situated rearward
of the front-side rib 43E is cut out. Meanwhile, a rear-side rib
44E situated in the rear-side end of the upper wall 40 is formed on
the right side of the rear-side end, while such portion of the
front-side end portion of the upper wall 40 as is situated forward
of the rear-side rib 44E is cut out. Also, the left-right direction
width of the front-side rib 43E is longer than the left-right
direction width of the rear-side rib 44E. Thus, each rib 42E is
configured such that the front-side rib 43E and rear-side rib 44E
are arranged in the front-rear direction two ends of the upper wall
40 alternately so as not face each other.
[0093] Also, in the connector housing 15F according to a fifth
modification of the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27, a rib
42F is formed over the left-right direction whole length of the
front-side end of the upper wall 40 on the outer peripheral surface
(outer surface) of only the front-side end thereof, while no rib is
formed on the outer peripheral surface (outer surface) of the
rear-side end of the upper wall 40.
[0094] Also, in the connector housing 15G according to a sixth
modification of the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 28, a rib
42G is formed over the left-right direction whole length of the
front-side end of the upper wall 40 on the outer peripheral surface
(outer surface) of only the rear-side end thereof, while no rib is
formed on the outer peripheral surface (outer surface) of the
front-side end of the upper wall 40.
[0095] When the connector housing of one or more embodiments is
manufactured by resin molding using a mold, two molds for forming
the internal space S of the connector housing are arranged
respectively in the front-rear direction of the connector housing.
In this case, as described above, the ribs 42, 42B, 42C, 42D, 42E,
42F and 42G are formed so as not to face each other in the
front-rear two ends of the upper wall 40 (see FIGS. 22 to 26), or
they are formed in one of the front-rear two ends of the upper wall
40 (see FIGS. 27 and 28), thereby enabling simplification of mold
removal. That is, when the ribs are formed at positions where they
face each other in the front-rear direction two ends of the upper
wall 40, it is necessary to form the ribs using a slide core which
slides in the left-right direction or in the vertical direction.
Meanwhile, the connector housing 15 according to the fourth
embodiment eliminates mold removal using such slide core, thereby
enabling simplification of the molding process thereof.
[0096] Even in the case that the ribs 42, 42B, 42C, 42D, 42E, 42F
and 42G are formed in the above-mentioned manner, when winding the
tape T on the connector housing 15, the tape T would be easily
wound in such a manner that it is situated between the paired ribs
42, 42B, 42C, 42D and 42E, or with one of the paired ribs 42F and
42G as a reference. Also, one or more embodiments would suppress
displacement of the tape T in its width direction (in the
front-rear direction of the connector housing 15).
[0097] Here, only in order to attain an object to remove the mold
without using the slide core, there may be employed an idea that no
ribs are formed in the front-rear two ends of the upper wall 40.
FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a connector housing according to a
reference example of the fourth embodiment. In a connector housing
15H according to the reference example of the fourth embodiment, as
shown in FIG. 29, no rib is formed on the outer peripheral surfaces
(outer surfaces) of the front-side and rear-side ends of the upper
wall 40. Even this configuration would simplify mold removal.
[0098] Also, the fourth embodiment is characterized by the shapes
of the ribs 42, 42B, 42C, 42D, 42E, 42F and 42G. However, the
shapes of other members than the ribs 42, 42B, 42C, 42D, 42E, 42F
and 42G are not limited to the shapes that have been described in
the first to fourth embodiments. According to one or more
embodiments, in the front-rear direction two ends of the upper wall
40, the front-side rib 43 and rear-side rib 44 are arranged
alternately so as not to face each other.
Other Embodiments
[0099] Here the invention is not limited to the above exemplary
embodiments but various modifications may be employed. For example,
the invention is not limited to the above exemplary embodiments but
may be appropriately modified, improved or the like. Further, the
materials, shapes, dimensions, number, arrangement locations and
the like of the composing elements of the above-mentioned
respective embodiments are arbitrary but not limitative so long as
they can attain the object.
[0100] Also, in the second embodiment, the concave surface 51 of
the lower wall 50 is configured such that it includes two kinds of
arc portions having different radii of curvature. However, the
concave surface 51 may also be configured to include three or more
kinds of arc portions having different radii of curvature.
[0101] Also, in the second embodiment, the notch 54 is formed in
the concave surface 51 of the lower wall 50 by cutting out a part
of the arc portion of the concave surface 51. However, such notch
may not be formed.
[0102] In accordance with exemplary embodiments as shown in the
figures, a connector housing (15, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E) has a
cylindrical shape. The connector housing includes a first side wall
(50) in an outer peripheral (20) of the connector housing, and a
second side wall (40) in the outer peripheral (20) of the connector
housing. The first side wall (50) is to be pressed against a
cylindrical member (C) extending in a first direction (X). The
second side wall (40) is opposed to the first side wall (50) in a
second direction (Z) perpendicular to the first direction (X). The
second side wall (40) is formed with a front-side rib (43, 43B,
43C, 43D, 43E) at one end of the second side wall (40) in the first
direction (X) and a rear-side rib (44, 44B, 44C, 44D, 44E) at the
other end of the second side wall (40) in the first direction (X).
The front-side rib (43, 43B, 43C, 43D, 43E) protrudes from the
second side wall (40) in the second direction (Z) and extends in a
third direction (Y) which is perpendicular to both the first
direction (X) and the second direction (Z). The rear-side rib (44,
44B, 44C, 44D, 44E) projects from the second side wall (40) in the
second direction (Z) and extends in the third direction (Y). The
front-side rib (43, 43B, 43C, 43D, 43E) and the second side rib
(44, 44B, 44C, 44D, 44E)do not face to each other in the first
direction (X).
[0103] According to the structure, since it is not necessary to
remove the molds using the slide core, the molding process thereof
would be simplified.
[0104] In accordance with exemplary embodiments as shown in
Figures, a connector housing (15F, 15G) has a cylindrical shape.
The connector housing has a first side wall (50) in an outer
peripheral (20) of the connector housing, and a second side wall
(40) in the outer peripheral (20) of the connector housing. The
first side wall (50) is to be pressed against a cylindrical member
(C) extending in a first direction (X). The second side wall (40)
is opposed to the first side wall (50) in a second direction (Z)
perpendicular to the first direction (X). The second side wall (40)
is formed with a rib (42F, 42G). The rib (42F, 42G) protrudes from
the second side wall (40) in the second direction (Z) and extends
in a third direction (Y) which is perpendicular to both the first
direction (X) and the second direction (Z). The rib (42F, 42G) is
formed at only one end of the second side wall (40) in the first
direction (X).
[0105] According to the structure, since it is not necessary to
remove the molds using the slide core, the molding process thereof
would be simplified.
[0106] According to exemplary embodiments, in a connector housing
which is arranged on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical
member and is wound with tape together with the cylindrical member,
its molding process would be simplified even when manufactured
using a mold.
DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS AND SIGNS
[0107] 10: Connector housing [0108] 11: Connector housing [0109]
12: Connector housing [0110] 13: Connector housing [0111] 14:
Connector housing [0112] 15: Connector housing [0113] 15B:
Connector housing [0114] 15C: Connector housing [0115] 15D:
Connector housing [0116] 15E: Connector housing [0117] 15F:
Connector housing [0118] 15G: Connector housing [0119] 15H:
Connector housing [0120] 20: Side wall [0121] 30: Rear wall [0122]
31: Slit [0123] 40: Upper wall [0124] 41: Rib [0125] 42: Rib [0126]
42B: Rib [0127] 42C: Rib [0128] 42D: Rib [0129] 42E: Rib [0130]
42F: Rib [0131] 42G: Rib [0132] 43: Front-side rib [0133] 43B:
Front-side rib [0134] 43C: Front-side rib [0135] 43D: Front-side
rib [0136] 43E: Front-side rib [0137] 44: Rear-side rib [0138] 44B:
Rear-side rib [0139] 44C: Rear-side rib [0140] 44D: Rear-side rib
[0141] 44E: Rear-side rib [0142] 50: Lower wall [0143] 51: Concave
surface [0144] 52: Arc portion [0145] 53: Arc portion [0146] 54:
Notch [0147] 55: Engagement projection [0148] 56: Engagement
projection [0149] 60: Left wall [0150] 61: Male-side through lock
[0151] 62: Lock beak [0152] 70: Right wall [0153] 71: Female-side
through lock [0154] 72: Projection [0155] 80: Connecting plate
[0156] 81: Through lock [0157] 82: Through lock [0158] 90:
Connecting jig [0159] C: Corrugated tube [0160] S: Internal space
[0161] T: Tape
* * * * *